Vacuum Brakes

The important components of this braking system are: 1. Vacuum Cylinder 2. Train Pipe 3. Siphon Pipe 4. Release Valve Vacuum CylinderIt is the most important part of the braking assembly, whose function results in the brakes being applied. It is sub-divided into two chambers-upper chamber and lower chamber and it also houses components like piston rod, piston nut, roller ring, joint ring, neck ring, top plate, safety valve, plastic bush, leather washer, siphon box, piston pin. Train PipeIt is the connecting pipe between siphon pipe an vacuum cylinder. Air flows in and out of the vacuum cylinder through this pipe. Siphon PipeIt is the counterpart for hose pipe in the air brake system, and its major function is to connect the braking components of two consecutive wagons.

Release ValveIt is at the junction of train pipe, safety valve and vacuum cylinder. It has two components: sitting valve and diaphragm. The diameter of the opening towards the release valve in the lower chamber is 19mm.Sitting valve and diaphragm together function to suck out air from the vacuum cylinder. FunctioningWhen brakes are applied, air is sucked from the lower chamber of the vacuum cylinder via train pipe. Then, air from the upper chamber moves out through the safety valve and vacuum is created. Roller ring, neck ring and joint ring ensure smooth functioning by avoiding any leakage. At the time of application of brakes, the piston is at the base of the vacuum cylinder. Now when brakes are released, then air flows in the lower chamber and consequently the piston moves up due to building of air pressure. Comparison between air brakes and vacuum brakes1. Efficiency-Air brakes are more efficient than vacuum brakes, the precise reason why all modern wagons use air brakes over vacuum brakes.

2. Piston movement-for air brakes, on application of brakes, the piston moves outwards in contradiction to the inward movement for vacuum brakes. Similarly during the release of brakes. 3. Complexity-air brake assembly has higher complexity over vacuum brakes. 4. Cost factor-though air brakes need a higher initial investment over vacuum brakes, but on the long run, prove more economical.